Comptometer Medley, No 3, October 1947

COMPTOMETER

MEDLEY

No. 3 NEW SERIES

This Magazine is published
from time to time and a
copy of each edition is sent
to every Comptometer
Operator on Felt & Tarrant’s
Mailing List.

AND MAY WE REMIND YOU—

The name "Comptometer”
belongs to Felt & Tarrant
and cannot be used to
describe any other make
of Adding & Calculating
Machine. For many years,
in fact, the Firm has used
this slogan-

‘‘IF IT’S NOT MADE BY FELT & TARRANT
IT’S NOT A COMPTOMETER”.

October, 1947.

Comptometer Medley

a magazine for all Comptometer Operators

Editorial

Many readers have kindly
written to say how pleased they
would be if we could send them a
“ Medley” every month, or, better
still, every week. This is all very
encouraging to your Committee
but we must explain that your
magazine is not a registered
periodical and is not on sale. It is
produced by the staff of Felt &
Tarrant with the assistance of
Operators’ own efforts. Most of
it is a spare-time job. There are
still restrictions on the use of
paper, of which three tons are
needed for each issue of 30,000
copies, including envelopes. In
view of all this, it is no mean
achievement to publish about
twice a year and to post a free
copy of each edition to every
operator on the mailing list.

Last Spring saw the completion
of the first cycle of reunions and
brought the total number of guests

to nearly 15,000. By the time this
reaches you, a further series will
have begun and will continue
during the Winter. You will find
further details overleaf. The main
factor that influenced Felt &
Tarrant to grant so many “ re¬
peats ” was the large number of
letters received from Operators
everywhere saying how much they
had enjoyed the reunions and
how much they were looking
forward to more. Well, you
wished upon a star, and the
stars will, we hope, bring you
pleasure.

We are happy to note that
several operators’ contributions
have gained awards in this issue,
and these include quite a lot of
guineas for photographs in the
senior operators’ and relatives’
sections. We hope this will en¬
courage many operators to submit
something for the next edition.

1

33 I^et 3 s Get Together Again ”

“ By Request ” mostly indicates some¬
thing of outstanding popularity. It will,
therefore, be good news to the thousands
who have requested more reunions when
we tell them that Felt & Tarrant have
agreed to provide a further series of
“ shows ” this Winter.

Changing conditions have made it
necessary to vary the nature of the re¬
unions to some extent. It is, for example,
almost impossible to supply refreshments
in most places owing to the large
numbers involved, but it is hoped that
the alternative attraction of popular stars
will more than compensate for the absence
of a buffet. This type of evening, in¬
cluding most of the other features of the
first reunions, was tried out in London
last Spring and was an enormous success,
as you may see for yourselves on other
pages. Guests made their feeding arrange¬
ments according to individual taste, and
we gather that “ haversack rations ” were
well to the fore.

The new round of “ shows 99 will be in
full swing by the time you receive this
edition, but the following dates are given
as a matter of interest and include all that
have so far been fixed.

The reunions arc usually from 6.30 to
9.30 p.m. and thus make it fairly easy for
operators to travel from neighbouring
towns. Last year several private bus
parties were arranged for this purpose,
especially where many operators are em¬
ployed by the same Firm, and this is an
idea that might be extended this year.
The centres have been selected with a
view to enabling the largest number of
operators to get in from outlying districts.
The more the merrier !

We cannot give you here the names of
the stars who will entertain you, as the
bookings have to be made according to
their other engagements and there are
frequent last-minute alterations, but you
will, we believe, be well pleased with
whatever show you attend.

Fuller details will be sent to every
operator on the mailing lists prior to
their local reunion, but if by any chance
you have heard nothing about ten days
before the date, please make enquiries at
your local Comptometer School.

1947

7th Oct. Birmingham & Coventry
Districts at the Town Hall,
Birmingham.

10th Oct. Liverpool Districts at the
Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

24th Oct. Manchester Districts at
the Albert Hall, Manchester.

29th Oct. Middlesbrough District
at the Town Hall, Middles¬
brough.

6 th Nov. Bristol Districts at the
Victoria Rooms, Bristol.

12th Nov. Leeds & Bradford Dist¬
ricts at the Town Hall, Leeds

14th Nov. Newcastle Districts at
the Town Hall, Newcastle-
on-Tyne.

21 st Nov. Leicester Districts at the
Corn Exchange, Leicester.

1947

25th Nov. South Wales Districts
at the Assembley Room, City
Hall, Cardiff.

10th Dec. Edinburgh Districts at
the Freemason’s Hall,
Edinburgh.

nth Dec. Glasgow Districts at the
St. Andrews Hall, Glasgow.

1948

23rd Jan. Hull Districts at the Sir
Philip Reckitt Hall, Hull.

uth& London &c S. E. England
12th Mar. at The Kingsway Hall, W.C.2

23rd Mar. Sheffield Districts at the
Lower Cutlers Hall, Sheffield.

Nottingham to follow, but
exact date not fixed.

2

[Photograph by Yeldham Unwin)

. . . ami Uoiiigmny (Unlimited).

The Editor has been browsing through hundreds of photographs
and other records of the first series of post-war reunions and has
rediscovered some very interesting items.

The above picture, for example, shows 22 operators who attended
Coventry Reunion, but the remarkable point is that they were all
employed at the time by one firm, namely, Courtaulds Ltd. Readers may
remember that another strong contingent at Coventry was pictured in
our last issue and showed 26 operators from the Sir W. G. Armstrong-
Whitworth Aircraft Co. Ltd.

This is almost equalled by the grand turnout of 25 operators and a
guest of honour from Stewarts & Lloyds Ltd., Corby. You can see them
below, photographed at the Leicester party.

Getting Around!

BEAUTY PRIZE AMI FILMS

Under the heading “ Carrots Walked
In—Was Film Actress for Two Minutes ”
the ‘ Daily Mirror ’ described the
adventure of red-haired Barbara Smart,
21, of Birmingham, who is a Comp¬
tometer Operator in a Store.

As a prize for winning the staff beauty
competition, she went on a trip to Elstree
and was watching the shooting of “ No
Nightingale ” when a director asked her
if she would take the place of a small-
part actress who had not arrived. So
Carrots, crinolined and made up, quickly
learned her lines and became a film
actress for a few exciting moments.

WITH TMTED STATES FORCES

From Miss Kathleen Lunn, whose
home is at Withernsea, came an interesting
account of her work as a Comptometer
Operator with the Transport Corps of the
American Forces in Germany. Apart
from week-ends spent in ski-ing and ice-
skating and leaves for winter sports in
Bavaria, Miss Lunn found time for foreign
exchange calculations and for computing
timber to make cabins for displaced
persons. She worked with only about
50% Americans, the others being
Luxembourg, Belgian, French, Dutch,
Swedish and Swiss. Altogether a most
exhilarating experience.

FROM III IK HI Mm IIA H TO HO XT AAA

Once upon a time there was a Comp¬
tometer Operator who lived in West
Bromwich and her name was Beryl Green.
One day she went with a girl friend
to a Birmingham restaurant—self-service
type—but was having difficulty in carrying
her tray when a soldier asked her if he
could help. He could, and did, and the
three of them sat down together and
subsequently parted the best of pals.

“ Next day,” says the ‘ Birmingham
Evening Despatch ’ in which we saw this
true fairy tale, “ Beryl went to catch a
bus and who did she bump into again
but the soldier friend ? ”

After this it was no good striving
against Fate any longer and further
meetings were arranged.

The soldier was Albert Richard, a
wheat farmer with some 3,500 acres in
Loma, Montana. He agreed to wait for
Beryl until she became 21, and he went
back to the wide open spaces to practise
wheat-farming and patience. Later he
sent the money to cover the journey to
Montana and Beryl had a hectic time
getting away, finally securing the last seat
in a plane from Shannon to America.

Operators in Birmingham may remem¬
ber Beryl for her concert party work
during the war, her speciality being
impressions of Carmen Miranda. She
was a member of the Victoria Concert
Party, run in connection with the social
side of J. Brockhouse & Co., of Hill
Top, and has performed at the Queens-
berry All-Services Club in Birmingham.

FltOH (OVEXTR1 TO KEXTK Iil

Now very happily installed in her
“Old Kentucky Home” is Mrs. Margaret
Webster (nee Watson) who travelled
from Newcastle to Coventry in 1943 to
become a Comptometer Operator with a
large firm of electrical manufacturers.

It’s a far cry from Coventry to Ken¬
tucky, but G.I. Joe is a quick worker.
He met Margaret in April 1945, and on
2nd May of that same year he asked her
to marry him on 5 th May as he had
had orders to sail for America. So
Margaret had just 7 .\ days to prepare for
a white wedding, reception, and week¬
end honeymoon, and a very pretty bride
she made. After that there came the
sadness of separation, as G.I. brides had
to be left behind. It was January, 1946,
before Margaret received her sailing
instructions, and these meant another
mad rush as she had only three days to
pack, report to camp and sail in the
“ Queen Mary ”. She docked in New
York on 10th February, when her
husband gave her a solitaire engagement
ring which there had been no time to
buy in England.

To complete this happy account,
which has been given to us by Miss E.
Horton who was a fellow-operator, we
have pleasure to add that a cable was
received last November announcing the
arrival of David. A photograph came

4

GETTING AROUND ! (continued)

WHO WANTS

later and shows that David is a fine
youngster who ought to do great things
in Kentucky some day.

Miss Horton adds that David was
named after a schoolmaster relative who
had chosen Comptometer Operating as a
career for Margaret.

INTERNATIONAL. RRIDGE

A Scottish bridge team which beat
Eire in this year’s match included Mr. T.
G. Porteous, his wife and his wife’s
sister, Mrs. W. W. Davidson (nee
Alexander). We noticed in the news¬
papers that the same team had been
selected to play against Wales at Cardiff.
This will be of interest to Edinburgh
operators who know Mr. Porteous as
Felt & Tarrant’s Manager in Edinburgh,
and who may also know that the two
ladies are ex-Comptometer Operators.
We don’t know much about bridge, but
we believe quickness of brain and hand
is a great asset. Perhaps this team was
assisted by their background of Comp¬
tometer training—a kind of extra ace up
their sleeves, but that must not be taken
too literally.

GOOD W ORK !

Any operators who visited the “ —
And So To Work ” Exhibition in London
probably noticed the stand which showed
Comptometers being expertly operated.

The background to this Exhibition is
worth emphasising. All the stands,
covering a very wide range of trades and
crafts, were manned by ex-service people
and civilians of both sexes who were
prevented from following their former
occupations because of disablement.
They have been brought back to a useful
and interesting life by the splendid work
of the Queen Elizabeth’s Training
College at Leathcrhcad and the St. Loyes
College at Exeter. These Colleges for
rehabilitating the disabled owe much of
their success to the enthusiasm of Dame
Georgiana Buller and they are run in
co-operation with the Ministry of Labour
and National Service.

The Comptometer is used at Exeter
for the training of operators, and at
Leatherhead it is part of the prescribed
syllabus for the training of Builders’
Clerks. Felt & Tarrant have supplied
Comptometers on loan to both Colleges
as some small contribution to a very
worthy cause.

SORE HALF-GUINEAS ?

The demand for Comptometer
Operators still grows so rapidly that it is
difficult to find sufficient pupils for
Comptometer Schools.

In practically every area there is a
scheme whereby any past or present
operator is awarded 10/6 for every intro¬
duction that leads to a new pupil being
accepted. There is no limit to the number
of half-guineas that may be awarded to
any one person. All you have to do is
to send the names and addresses to the
local Comptometer School so that full
details can be sent to your nominees.

Anything you can do in this direction
will, apart from bringing you extra pocket
money, greatly assist the Nation’s indust¬
ries, all of which are crying out for
Comptometer Operators.

The School addresses are on the back
cover. Why not think about it at once ?

UNUSUAL EX PERI ENCES

On the opposite page we publish
interesting accounts of operators who
have gone overseas. We have also heard
rumours of operators whose jobs are of
exceptional interest, such as the girl who
can only get to her office on a private
miniature railway that puff's its way
through the bowels of ancient rock for¬
mations, or the girl at Oxford University
who calculates tides throughout the
world.

We would be glad to have details of
anything of this nature, with clear photo¬
graphs if possible, and prizes will, of
course, be awarded if they are published.

CALENDARS FOR 1918

Felt & Tarrant have, not without
difficulty, obtained enough celluloid to
make their popular calendars again for
the coming year. Operators who have
had them in the past will recall that they
are so durable that they last the whole
year even in pockets and handbags.
Each operator on the mailing lists will
receive one early in the New Year and
should then apply to their local School
if they want one or two more.

5

lOlHlil OPERATOR MEETS PRINCESS El IZARETII

Miss Eleanor Ross of Edinburgh

All of us have our Red Letter days which we remember for the
rest of our lives.

Miss Eleanor Ross, 17 year old operator with the L.N.E.R., is
quite certain about one of her own special days. Along with eight other
girls representing the Scottish Association of Girls’ Clubs, she was
presented to Princess Elizabeth and Lieut. Philip Mountbatten.

The occasion was the Youth & Service Ball in Edinburgh last July,
and was one of the first Balls at which the Princess appeared after her
betrothal had been announced. Miss Ross says the scene was magnificent
with uniforms, tartans, lovely dresses and jewelled tiaras. The ball went
gaily on until 4 a.m. and the Princess remained until the end. Miss Ross
admits that wild horses couldn’t have dragged her away either, and what

she told us about the Buffet.but why should we torture ourselves ?

No wonder it was a night to remember!

6

Violet and Davina Oliphant, sisters from Bonny Scotland, are operators in Glasgow.
If we can judge from the photograph, they are both happy at t heir work J

Could ilii* be MircaKin?

We all love our office, the boss is a

treasure.

The pay is too much and the work is a

pleasure ;

We long to get back to our Comps, on a

Monday ;

Oh why don’t they let us come in on a

Sunday ?

The work with our colleagues is happy
and joyous;

Half-days and holidays simply annoy us ;
Our labours, in fact, are so rich in
enjoyment,

We’d pay lots of dough just to keep our
employment.

A. Crampton.

Letter from a Sta«e A Radio Star.

I was delighted to receive the photograph
taken at the Concert in the Kingsway
Hall. May I express my gratitude and
thanks for the attention and courtesy
extended to us on both occasions. The
photograph will be a happy reminder of
an evening of beauty and kindness.

Sincerely,

James Etherington.

Talking o!' Twin*.

There is always a fascination about twins
and we are delighted to show seven “sets”
of twin operators in this issue (See pages
28, 29, 30).

The Editor now wants to know if there
are any triplets who are operators. Can
anyone oblige?

Apart from this, we would like to show
further pictures of twins and other rela¬
tives in future editions. We also welcome
portraits of senior operators. There is a
prize of £1. is. od. for every operator
whose photo is printed in the “Relatives”
or “Gallery of Honour” sections. Will
you please send us yours right away
before you forget.

<0 Dublin and IIHIust.

We would like to send a special message
of goodwill to all operators in Eire and
Northern Ireland. They arc never for¬
gotten and it is hoped to arrange some
social events there when conditions are
a little easier.

7

We devoted several pages of our last issue to Comptometer Oper¬
ators with long and honourable service. The tribute was well-deserved
and has drawn favourable comment from many quarters, especially from
firms who are employing one or more of these worthy ladies. The
firms are as proud of such operators as the operators are modestly
proud of their splendid records.

We take much pleasure in publishing further photographs herewith
and we sincerely congratulate these senior operators on their meritorious
service, and on that fine vigorous spirit which is so well characterised
in these series of portraits.

It is always interesting to know what senior operators think
about Comptometer Operating. Miss Hilda Odell, who has been oper¬
ating for nearly 32 years, writes “I am enclosing a photo and shall be
happy for it to be included with my best wishes to younger operators and
with the knowledge that being a Comptometer Operator is similar to an
insurance , which endows you for a livelihood always ”

Similar sentiments have been expressed by many other long-
service operators and are very encouraging to youngsters who are
just starting out.

8

Miss Jessie Smale, who must have coped
with prodigious numbers of figures in her

33 years with the London Co-op Society.

For over thirty-one years Miss Hilda R.
Odell has operated in London to the
great benefit of British business.

Thirty one years seems to be a popular line:

Miss C. M. Vickery has just completed
her thirty-first with the same Cardiff firm.

In 1926 Mrs. Helen MacQregor was the
first operator to take the Comptometer
Diploma in the Middlesbrough area.

Top Left: After 32 years in
Manchesterwith Tootal Broad-
hurst Lee & Co. Ltd., Mrs.
Doris Barnes must be as well-
acquainted with the linen trade
as she is with the Comptometer.

Top Right : Mrs. Ethel F.
Smithson was a pupil in the
London school in 1913 and has
operated in London ever since:
3 5 years not out.

Below : Miss L. Snow has a
warm and welcome smile for
the camera... after 34 years with
the same London company.

GALLERY OF IIOAOl R

Mrs. E. G. Dennis (nee Jameson) became an operator 35 years ago. The
photograph shows her demonstrating to Queen Mary and the late Lord
Stamfordham at a Business Efficiency Exhibition in London.

GALLERY OF HONOUR

Undaunted by three
decades of unbroken
service Miss D. E. Hem-
brow, of Bristol, carries
on her good work with
a famous aircraft
company.

Another Bristolian is
Miss Connie Lewis with
fifteen years service to
her credit.

In charge of Comptometer Oper¬
ators in a government department
is Miss Gladys Nunn, who is to be
congratulated on her supervisor’s
appointment after 32 years of
operating.

Betsey Lou unri Jane have a
day in the country .

Contributed by Elizabeth Hodges.

I decided to write an article
on “A Day in the Country."

Having come to that decision,

I realised that it was
necessary to have the right
"atmosphere" so at 2 o’clock
this afternoon I got out the
bike and ambled along for
Jane—she’s my best girl friend
—and we set out for the
country. Luckily it isn’t very
far. Actually, we had decided
we’d do the thing properly;
make a day of it. Set out
about nine in the morning
with a packed lunch and then
have tea at one of those sweet
little cottages—you know, all
roses and honeysuckle and
a sign outside "Teas served
here." But you know what
happens to good intentions—
like New Year resolutions—and there
was a dance at the club last night. Who
wants to get up early on a holiday
morning anyway, particularly after such
a wizard dance like last night’s affair.
I like to lie there and muse.

However, we made it, and here we are
on a sort of hillock—we had to push the
bike up the cutest little winding path—
overlooking lots of country, and, if you
lie on your back and look up, you can
see miles and miles of sky. And, by the
way, I don’t like the look of those big
white clouds over there. It just cant
rain. That would be awful ’cos I’ve
thought of the most wizard line for
ending this article and the rain would
just about spoil everything ..." and
so we rode slowly home in the gentle
hush of evening after a perfect Day in
the Country "... doesn’t that sound
romantic ? Assuming a more vertical
position, you can look down and see
lots of rolling meadows and cows and
a few sheep, and over to the left is a
little copse, and just before that there’s
one of those cool, deep pools. I wonder
if that’s what you would call a limpid
pool ? That little airman I danced with
last night said something about my eyes
being like limpid pools, and I wondered

what he meant at the time, but they
were playing the most heavenly waltz so
I didn’t wonder too long—I just let
myself drift with the music. I just asked
Jane if she knew what a limpid pool
was, and was that one over there, but
all I got by way of an answer was a
grunt. Honestly, that girl has no idea.
The first thing she did when we got up
to this " eye of the world ’’ was to
throw herself down, close her eyes and
proceed to try and get tanned—a stupid
idea really ’cos she doesn’t go one of
those lovely browns like a proper per¬
son, she merely freckles. She won’t
be told though, and she’ll be sorry
afterwards, especially if we bump into
Reg on the way home as he doesn’t like
freckles and Jane happens to like Reg.

Well, as I said before, or intended
to, here we are in the country, which
does look lovely just now. The air is
so clear and good, and the different
shades of green which stretch almost as
far as the eye can see are so perfect, it
makes me wish I were a poet like that
boy who lives down the road who wears
corderoys and his hair long. Just to
look at him makes you realise he must
be a genius, or akin to, because he looks
mad enough. \ But I have to make do

13

Betsey l.«m and Jane have a Bay

in the t omiirv— continued, from page 13

IIiter Hit

with lines that don’t rhyme and I don’t
even seem to be doing so well at that.

Jane has just expressed the wish
that it would be nice if we went through
that little wood, and so we gather up
our odds and bods and start on the
downward trek, hanging on to the bikes
which threaten to rush downhill.

We finally arrive at the bottom, pause
while Jane removes half the path from
her shoes, mount the bikes and then
wend our way slowly along a little lane
between an oat field and a meadow
sweet with the scent of clover, towards
the copse. I was going to wax poetic
and say “ where not a leaf stirs and all
is quiet and tranquil,” but that wouldn’t
be right, ’cos there’s a little breeze
turning over the leaves and whispering
through the meadow and you know
what that means—when it turns the
leaves over I mean. I said I did’nt like
the look of those clouds.

We get off the bikes and decide to
leave them outside whilst we do our
tour of investigation. It’s only a small
wood, really, and if it does rain the trees
don’t grow closely enough to give any
protection. There is quite an under¬
brush of fernery that scratches our legs,
but there’s something very satisfying
about the dimness and quietness of a
wood—or there was until Jane squealed
and said she was sure a couple of drops
had landed on her nose. Now we hear
a pitter-patter like the sound of a tiny
animal running, but I guess that’s no
animal—it’s RAIN.

We turn and hurry as fast as we
can to the opening where we came in.
We get there panting and it’s not the
same opening, and we have to run
round till we see the bikes and we’re
getting wetter and wetter. We hurl
ourselves on and start to pedal furiously
in the direction of home sweet home.

Splash and splosh ! O gee ! O gosh!
Bang goes that romantic ending!

Memory Lane—

I love to sit in Memory Lane
When time is all my own,

Recalling happy memories
Of days I once have known.

To me they seem like tender flowers
Whose perfume lingers on,

Their beauty never fading
Though many years have gone.

Margaret Strachan.

By A. M, Si kora

Rhymes of the Times . . .

For the \.C.1I. (\alional Coal Board)

With coal so much in the news, we
think it deserves a little corner in our
magazine. Here are two contributions,
the first humorously summing up a
very practical philosophy, the second
containing deeper thoughts on the
contrast between badly needed treasures
buried in the earth and the riches that
are more accessible and still free for
everyone to enjoy.

Stalls or “ Pit ”

My Adonis must be fair ,

Have the grace of Fred Astaire ,

Possess technique like Alan Ladd;

(Ladd’s really good when he’s very bad).
To laugh at trouble like Bob Hope;

I love his nose the crazy dope ,

To bring forth music like Harry James ,

To sing it too like Dicky Haimes;

But thinking it over what a sell!

Adonis, of course , would want as well
A girl with a figure like ‘ Outlawish’ Jane,
Who’s moody, magnificent, but couldn’t

be plain.

He’d want a girl the last word in glamour,
Including Tahiti, sarong and Dot Lamour.
Yes I’ve been thinking it over and finally see
I’m no lovely Lana—just plain little me.
So pardon my fickleness,

Adonis my pride,

But I’m sure of my Bevin boy down on

Tyneside!

Mervyl D. Ducker.

*‘Thought* from a Colliery W indow”

My office window opens wide
To sunshine stealing far inside,

And touching, with pale lips of gold.

The shabby walls and winter’s mould
To bring life’s message once again
Of hopeful peace and joy for men.

I turn my eyes from inky files
To where the golden sunshine smiles.
To where the grass is growing green
And where the skylark sings unseen.

Beyond the man-made mountains black
ith coal waste, and the timber stack.
Beyond this plot where men who mine
Descend each day below the line
To where the earth’s crust gleams anew.
Not with early morning dew.

But with the sombre lustrous glows
Like hidden lights the diamond shows.
And these black diamonds are indeed
Of priceless worth to man’s great need.
For see their glory as a theme
Of dancing flames, their precious gleam
Not less than sunshine, yet when known
Amid the winter’s frozen night—

How gladly falls their welcome light.

But when the sunlight calls to me
These many things I would not see.

For they belong to winters past
When skies above were overcast,

When men must think of many things.
Not how and why the Blackbird sings.
Or where the early bluebells grow.

Or daisies white as untouched snow.

Now sunshine whispers in my ear
“Wake up and know that I am here.
Open up your window wide
And bid me come and let me bide.”

Stella Wadsworth Cooper.

A Cotter came la*t week

A letter came last week
From a friend I had wished to seek;
Her writing unchanged — neat, clear —
With news I had wanted to hear;

Each page ivith her perfume blent:
How pleased I was that this letter

had been sent.

Scenes from the past came to my eyes,
Happy times with many ties;

Cakes to cut and tea in the garden,
Fits of rage and asking pardon,

Toys and treasures gladly lent,

All the sunny days we spent.

Teen ages, full of fun.

Now her charm a groom has won —

How unexpected all this news —

(Z too frightened a husband to choose).
What’s this? A honeymoon in Devon —
Just two full weeks’ escape to heaven.

Since the letter arrived, a day, a week

has passed by.

What news of my life can I write,

I think with a sigh;
I wonder would she be keen
On the plays, ballets, operas I’ve seen.

1 write and try to say how much her

remembrance has meant,
And how pleased I was that her letter

had been sent.

M. Joan Palmer.

15

“ the stars will remember, so will i ” : Any operator who was at
Kings way Hall on February 14th or April 14th last may well associate
herself with the above sentiment that was sung so charmingly by Sylvia
Welling and James Etherington, for the artistes went out of their way to
express their delight in the warm enthusiasm of their audiences. This,
together with the excellent acoustics of the Hall, gave us an experience
that will long be remembered with pleasure.

Although the large numbers involved made it impossible to include
the buffet or supper which was such a popular feature of the Provincial
reunions, we believe that a fair balance was maintained inasmuch as
several stars of topline fame were available, and they did, in fact, provide
such a splendid show that arrangements are already in hand to bring
similar evenings to the larger provincial centres. Some will have
matured by the time this reaches you.

Photographs on these pages show that London Operators were able
to capture that happy family atmosphere that is always evident in other
districts. Eric Barker referred to his audience as “ a lot of calculating

16

Part of the audiences of nearly 4,000 London Area
Operators who filled Kingsway Hall on two differ¬
ent evenings to meet old and new friends and to
be entertained by famous stars of stage and radio .

IN

LONDON

women,” which just goes to show that the Navy is without fear! The
other laughter-makers were Tommy Handley in person and the surpris¬
ingly debonair Charlie Chester, both deservedly popular, but the ovation
given to the singers was equally enthusiastic. Dennis Noble was so
delighted with his reception that, to everybody’s astonishment, he
launched out with a most amusing story in addition to a further song.

Amongst other outstanding features are these: first, the number of
girls who had come very long distances in appalling weather, including
some from Portsmouth (75 miles) Southampton (79 miles) Oxford (63
miles) Broadstairs (77 miles) and Bournemouth (108 miles); secondly,
the absolutely “ full house ” on St. Valentine’s Day in spite of the bitter
cold and the first week of the new “blackout”; thirdly, the joy of old
friends meeting again after many years, and lastly, the large number of
requests by word of mouth and in subsequent letters for further reunions.

All right; the Committees are busy all over the country and many
more evenings are being planned for you!

17

Millions of listeners have
enjoyed the voices of Sylvia
Welling and James
Etherington coming over
the air. At Kingswav Hall
they brought the house
down, and there was long
and hearty approval when
Sylvia was presented with
a bouquet by Miss Nichol
on behalf of Felt &; Tarrant.

No Comptometer Reunion is
complete without recognition
of operators celebi'ating
birthdays or weddings , of
operators ivith long service or
two or more operators in the
same family. Here is a
characteristic snap of Bill
Cargill aivarding one of
many gift vouchers.

(below)

Singing with the Orchestra
was Rita Williams, who
delighted everyone with her
charm, and a few operators
were fortunate enough to
obtain her autograph as well.

STARLIGHT I\ I OMMr\

A stage adorned with
beautiful floral sprays in
golden basketwork was
a delightful setting for
Jack Leon and His
Famous Broadcasting
Orchestra. We only
wish we could show this
picture in natural col¬
ours. It was an artistic
display of exceptional
quality.

Steady Barker ! You are
not at Waterlogged Spa
now. But that charming
Secretary , Pearl Hackney,
is a disturbing element
in any surroundings. Eric
has just discarded an
overcoat and his sheep'
skin liberty bodice as he
warms up to his deva¬
stating climax.

FROM THE EDITOR'S POSTRAG

From an Operator.

I know it is going to please you ivhen I tell you that since Miss Maunder
placed me at my situation on 6 th June 1939 as a Comptometer Operator, I have
hecofne the Welfare Supervisor. I myself am proud of this success, and I only
know that if I had not turned to the School when I did I should not he in the nice
position that I am to-day.

It is very interesting amongst those girls ! It more than fills my day at times.

Two hours a day or less complete my c Comp, duties ’ then I commence on a
day that always greatly differs, health, sanitary, hospital, ration hook difficulties,
placing hahies in the nurseries for the part-time mothers, engaging new workers,
Canteen complaints, clothing coupons , and another hundred and one jobs that I
could mention.

Believe me, I am deeply grateful for all that the ‘ Comptometer School 9 has
given me. Deep down,yes, very deep down, I sincerely say “ Thank you ”.

Mary Dixie.

From the American Red Cross in Great Britain and Western Europe.
Dear Sirs,

On the occasion of our returning to you the two Comptometer machines which
you so kindly loaned us for the Statistical Section of our Cluh Department, I
would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for your generosity in this
matter.

The American Red Cross during the past 4 years of its operation in Great
Britain has carried important responsibilities in connection with the welfare and
recreation of American troops who were either stationed or on leave in this
country. Our kind English friends have contributed selflessly, and according to
their resources, to the success of our operation. We are most anxious that they
should become aware that we greatly appreciate the assistance which they have
rendered to us, and we therefore ask you to accept our grateful thanks for the
machines which have now been returned to you.

Yours sincerely,

William L. Gower,

Representative in Charge.

From a Compere.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you and all the members of
your staff for the delightful hospitality you extended to me on the occasions of the
two Re-Unions you held at the Kingsway Hall. I have never enjoyed any shows
so much, and it was a great pleasure being asked to come along and help to
entertain such grand people.

Yours very sincerely.

Jack Elmont.

From an Artiste.

Everything was conducted so nicely, and it gave us great pleasure to sing to such
an appreciative audience. With my best wishes, and again my thanks.

Sincerely yours,

Sylvia Welling.

21

Annual Dinner of the * 6 HQ9IAD8 ”

The “ HOMADS ” again make merry. We remind readers that the translation is Head Office
Maintenance Annual Dinner Society. We gather that these functions are a great success.

Comptometer an Cupid

On Page 26 there is a photo of the very “ operative ” Harvey family.
One of the married sisters wrote and told us that they were “ in the
throes of celebrating my parents’ 55 th Wedding Anniversary.” We
heartily congratulate the whole happy family, and have pleasure to give
further extracts from Mrs. Nicholson’s letter :

“ I wonder if you would mind passing on my thanks to the Reunion Committee
for the wonderful evening I had last Friday at the Kingsway Hall. I never
dreamed it was going to be such a lovely evening and am so glad I was able to come.

My eldest sister has 34 years service, I have 16, and another sister was an
operator for 10 years when she married, and now has two daughters, one with 7
years and the other with 4 years, making a total of 71 years service.

Incidentally, if I hadn't evacuated with my firm, I should not have met my
husband, so the Comptometer even plays cupid sometimes.

Once again, many thanks to all concerned for the wonderful entertainment last
week and here's wishing you and all at the School the best of luck."

This almost looks like a challenge. Can anyone beat this family record ? Editor

22

OPER A TOR'S CROSS IVOR O PUZZLE

Submitted by Phyllis J. Robinson
ACROSS

i. Hesitate

4. Calculate

7. This child is not the one in the sky

9. A flatfish

12. This town isn’t too bad

13. Clothes (slang)

15. “ Sweet as apple cider ”

17. A trick in any sport

20. Retain ten (anagram)

24. Squirrels hoard these

25. A wink is as good as this
29. Grain

31. Type of arrow used in modern
game

33. International language
38. On behalf of

4 0. Palindrome

41. If the elastic breaks

42. Journey in S. Africa

45. Give out

46 . Fold up their—as the Arabs

48 . Unity

49. Marry

50. Pincers

Solution on page 32
DOWN

1. You break this in the morning

2. Yearn

3 . Flow back

5 . A drink

6. Silent
8. Slime

10. This kind of Admiral may not be

backward

11. Italian coin

I4. Seat one’s self
16. Dissuade

18. An

1 9 . Burning cigarette makes tree

21. Grow in forests

22. Silly

23. Number

26. Rot

27. Sweet smells

28. Change doc into poetry
30, You

32. Preposition

34. An old clay one

35. Tear

36. Mesh '

37. Part of kitchen range

39. 2 : 4 as 8 : 16

43 . Without a thorn

44 . These of the Kingdom

47 . The oldest King

2 3

COMPTOMETER MEDLEY IS YOUR MAC4AZIAE
LETT US KAOW WHAT YOU WANT IA IT

Will you kindly help us to give you the Magazine that brings you
the most enjoyment.

We show below the various features that appear in the present
issue or have appeared in past editions. We invite you to number
each feature according to your likes or dislikes, i.e., put (i) against the
feature you like best, (2) against your second choice, and so on. Add
your name and address in the space underneath, then cut out the
whole page and send it to The Editor, Felt & Tarrant Ltd.,
Aldwych House, London, W.C.2.

The contents of future editions will be largely determined by
your ballot.

Short Stories, i.e. about 2 pages.

Reunion News and Photos.

Serious Verse .

Humorous Verse.

Photos of (Operators.

Fashion and Beauty Notes .

Household Hints .

Local School News.

Unusual Experiences or Jobs.

Puzzles and Quizes .

Notes on School and Service Staff.

Humorous Articles and Sketches.

Name ...
Address

You can post this for id. in an unsealed envelope, but if you wish
to send an accompanying letter of suggestions or criticisms a 2^d.
stamp is needed.

24

II 11,1, IMCAVI S Till] BLIZZARDS

The Hull Reunion Committee arranged most things but they deny
all responsibility for the blizzards that blew with renewed force at the
time of their party early last March !

This was the last of the first series of nation-wide reunions and was
too late to be reported in the reunion edition of Comptometer Medley.
In spite of the fierce weather, there was a noble attendance of operators
and guests of honour, and the photograph on this page shows a section
of them.' Bill Cargill declares that his journeys from London and back
in trains delayed by snowdrifts were the coldest hours of his life (so far)
but the warm atmosphere of the Reunion was a delightful contrast.

Nearly 200 guests enjoyed the welcome refreshments and a well-
balanced programme of music, magic and merriment. If there is any
truth in the law of averages, the next party in Hull will coincide with
a heat-wave, even though it is fixed for January.

25

RELATIVELY SPEAKING

In our last issue we published some photographs of operator relatives and we
have since had much further pictorial evidence that Comptometer Operating is a
firm family favourite.

It is a pleasure to show some of these photographs here, and the high spot so far
is undoubtedly the Harvey family of five operators. Two generations of sisters !

Miss Jessie Harvey and Mrs. Gerrett (back right and left) and Mrs. Nicholson
(front right) are sisters. Mrs. Gerrett’s daughters Thelma (front left) and Joan (centre)
are also. Comptometer operators. The five together have over seventy years
operating in London to their credit! See Mrs. Nicholson’s letter on page 22.

Employed en bloc by Messrs. Richard Thomas and Baldwins Limited at Ebbw Vale,
Mon. are the three Metcalfe sisters June, Betty and Connie.

26

These two pairs of spark¬
ling eyes belong to Mary
and Jean Smith, sister
operators of Hull.

Mrs. Margaret Griffiths
(left) and Miss Muriel
Jones, sisters and diploma
operators. From Port
Talbot, Glamorganshire.

Below right: Sisters ? No,
mother and daughter ! Mrs.
E. D. Stalley and Mary,
who both operate in
London. Below left;
two more sisters from
Hull, the Misses R. and M.
Suddabv.

RELATIVELY
SPEAKUVG . . .

accent on TWINS!

Constance and Alma Lambert are
twin operators from Manchester.
Constance is said to be on your left.

Which is Freda and which is
June we couldn } t know. But
they*re the Wigdahl twins ,
who work in Manchester .

4

i

. and more TWINS!

There must be something about this
North Country air to produce so many
twin sets! Top right is Dorothea
Qlover and below her sister Irene —
Whitefield , Lancs , this time.

(above)

Nora Harrison (left) and her twin sister
Rena attend the Middlesbrough school:
if their “Halo” hats provide any
indication they should both be model
students !

Harriet and Ellen Philp of Qlasgow
are twins , but make identification
easier by varying their hair styles.

RELATIVELY

SPEAKING . . .

. . . still more TIVINS!

To your left is Kathleen Dance
and, below, twin sister Margaret.
You could easily get your
partners mixed here ! They live
in Manchester.

HAVE YOU HEAKO IT?

Labour Kxchiin^c

The King teas in the laundry
Washing out his shirt ;

The Queen was in the kitchen
Sweeping up the dirt ;

The Maid was in the parlour
Eating bread and honey ;
Along came a neighbour
And offered her more money.

Hhat a “ Waist !”

A beautiful blonde was being questioned
as a witness. Counsel said—“ Where
were you on the night of the 13 th ?”
The witness hung her head—“ Oh please
don’t ask me that; I can’t tell you.”

The Judge interrupted—“ You must
answer Counsel’s questions.” “ All
right,” she admitted blushingly, “ if you
must know, I’ll tell you. I was at home
doing a crossword puzzle.”

Counsel looked disbelievingly and said—
“ Is that anything to be ashamed of?”
The blonde hung her head still lower;
“ Certainly it is,” she sobbed,” a smart
girl like me, wasting a night on a
crossword puzzle.”

He (phoning); “I want a box for two
pleased’

Voice : “ Sorry, we don’t have boxes for
two.”

He : “ But isn’t that the Frivolity Theatre ?”
Voice : “ No, this is the undertakers.”

Salesmanship

A pretty red-head was shop-window
gazing when she noticed she was being
followed by a very sleek young man.
Finally she turned round indignantly and
said “ You can stop following me. Tm
not the kind of girl you can pick up ! ”
The young man bowed, smiled and said:
“ But I’m not picking you up. I’m
picking you out.” (It worked !)

Violets arc Uluc ?

Peter : “ Why don’t you wear the Christmas
present 1 gave you ?”

Violet: “ I’m keeping them , darling.”
Peter : “ Saving them for a rainy day ?”
Violet: “ No, darling , for a windy one.”

Toot ! Toot!

The phone rang so insistently that he had
to leave his cosy bed to answer it.

“ Hullo,” he said sleepily.

“ Is that Brimstone Two Two Two
Two ? ” said the voice.

“ No,” he yawned, “ this is Brimstone
double-two, double-two.”

“ Oh, wrong number ; I’m sorry to have
disturbed you like this in the middle
of the night.”

“ That’s all right,” he replied, “ l had to
get up to answer the phone anyway.”

Ansel ?

The girl who went out in a car ,

And had to walk back all alone
Had better keep out of a ’plane

Till her wings are completely grown.

More Horse-ferity !

He looked up from his rabbit-pie and
eyed the waiter suspiciously.

“ Are you quite sure,” he asked “ that
this is all rabbit ? ”

“ Well,” said the waiter, “ you know how
difficult it is. We have to fill up with a
little horse-flesh. About fifty-fifty you
know.”

“ Fifty-fifty eh ? One horse to one rabbit
I suppose ! ”

All Jokes Aside

A comedian got married and then dis¬
covered his tnother-in-law was a plumber.
He is now unemployed until someone can
think out some new jokes.

He “ Darling ! Will you marry me ?”

She “ No, but I'll always respect you for
your good taste.”

Another Solomon

A number of young housewives living in
a large block of flats were involved in a
noisy argument.

The dispute attracted the attention of the
local policeman with the result that they
were all hauled up in front of the
Magistrate.

When the case was called, each of the
women wanted to speak first. The
Judge rapped for Order and, when silence
was obtained, he said quietly, “ Now
I will hear the oldest first.”

That closed the case.

31

OPERATORS’ PRIZE LIST

We have much pleasure in awarding
the following prizes for operators’
contributions in this issue :—

Articles, Verse, Sketches

Miss Elizabeth Hodges,

Bolton (“ Betsey Lou and
Jane ”).£3.3.0d.

Mrs. A. M Sikora.. Welbourne,

Lincoln (Sketches on page 14) £3.3.0d.

Miss Phyllis J. Robinson
(C rossword Puzzle). Will this
lady please send her address and

claim her prize .£2.2.0d.

Miss M. J. Palmer, Manches¬
ter (“ A letter came last week”) £1.1.Od.

Miss Eleanor Ross, Edin¬
burgh. (Page 6) .£1.1.Od.

MissM. D. Ducker, Gateshead
(“ Stalls or Pit ”) .£1.1.Od.

Miss S. W. Cooper, Brierley,
Barnsley. (“ Thoughts from a
Colliery Window”) .... .... £l.l.0d.

Miss E. Horton, Coventry
(“ From Coventry to Ken¬
tucky ”) .... ... ••• 10.6d.

Miss A. Crampton, Bristol
(“Could this be Sarcasm?”) 10.6d.

Miss M. Strachan, Edinburgh
(“ Memory Lane ”) . 10.6d.

Relatives

£1.1.Od. each to:—

Miss June Metcalfe, Ebbw Vale
Miss Betty Metcalfe,

Miss Connie Metcalfe,

Mrs. E. D. Stalley, London
Miss Mary Stalley,

Miss Mary Smith, Hull

Miss Jean Smith,

Mrs. M. Griffiths, Port Talbot
Miss Muriel Jones, ,,

Miss Violet Oliphant, Glasgow
Miss Davina Oliphant, ,,

Miss Jessie Harvey, London

Mrs. Gerrett, ,,

Mrs. Nicholson, ,,

Miss Thelma Gerrett,

Miss Joan Gerrett, „

Miss R. Suddaby, Hull

Miss M. Suddaby,

Relative;* (Twin*)

£1.1.Od. each to :—

Miss Harriet Philp, Glasgow
Miss Ellen Philp, ,,

Miss D. Glover, Whitefield, Lancs.
Miss I. Glover,

Miss Freda Wigdahl, Manchester
Miss June Wigdahl,

Miss Constance Lambert, ,,

Miss Alma Lambert,

Miss Kathleen Dance,

Miss Margaret Dance,

Miss Joan Watson, Hull

Miss Jean Watson, ,,

Miss Nora Harrison, Middlesbrough
Miss Rena Harrison, ,,

Ciallor.v of Honour

£1.1.0 d. each to :—

Miss L. Snow,

London

Mrs. D. Barnes,

Manchester

Miss C. M. Vickery,

Cardiff

Miss Jessie Smale,

London

Miss H. R. Odell,

,,

Miss H. MacGregor,

Middlesbrough

Miss G. Lewis,

Cardiff

Miss Gladys Nunn,

London

Miss Connie Lewis,

Bristol

Miss D. E. Hembrow,

,,

Mrs. E. G. Dennis,

London

Mrs. E. F. Smithson,

,,

Solution to puzzle on page 23.

Across: 1. Falter; 4. Compute; 7. Son;
9. Brill; 12. Nice ; 13. Togs ; 15. Ida ; 17. Hat;
20. Entertain; 24. Nuts; 25. Nod; 29. Rye;
31. Dart; 33. Esperanto ; 38. For ; 40. Eye;

41. Pin; 42. Trek ; 45. Emit; 46. Tents; 48.
One ; 49. Espouse; 50. Pliers.

Down : 1. Fast; 2. Long ; 3. Ebb ; 5. Punch ;

6. Taciturn ; 8. Ooze ; 10. Rear ; 11. Lira; 14.
Sit; 16. Deter; 18. An ; 19. Ash; 21. Trees ;
22. Inane ; 23. No ; 26. Decay ; 27. Perfumes;
28. Ode; 30. Ye; 32. To ; 34. Pipe; 35. Rent;
36. Net; 37. Oven; 39. Ratio; 43. Rose; 44.
Keys; 47. Sol.

3 2

COMPTOMETER MEDLEY
IS YOUR MAGAZINE

Why not write or draw for it?

Send in original contributions that will be of general interest,
including :—

VERSES.

SKETCHES.

PHOTOGRAPHS.

BEAUTY HINTS.

SHORT STORIES.

FASHION NOTES.

COOKING RECIPES.

HOLIDAY ADVENTURES.

ARTICLES ON EVERY-DAY SUBJECTS.

Prizes from £3 3s. to 10s. 6d. will be awarded for everything published.
Submissions (which must be original) should be sent to :—

The Editor, “ Comptometer Medley ”

Felt & Tarrant Ltd., Aldwych House, W.C.2.

Your contributions will help to make a bigger and better Magazine.

PASS IT ON.

We hope you have enjoyed this booklet. Would you be good enough
to pass it to a friend when you have finished with it. Perhaps any parents
who may be reading this have friends who are wondering what to do with
their sons and daughters. In any case, by passing it on, you may help to
introduce someone else to the profitable career of Comptometer operating.
Alternatively, we will gladly post copies to your friends if you will send
us their Names and Addresses, and your co-operation will be warmly
appreciated. See Bonus Scheme on page 5.

THE

CONTROLLED KEY

H/GH SPEED ADD/NG AND CALCULAT/NG MACHINE

FELT & TARRANT LTD.

THESE ARE YOUR OFFICES AND SCHOOLS

BELFAST : 58, Howard Street.

Telephone : Belfast 27052

BIRMINGHAM : 11, Albert Street.

Telephone : Colmore 4448 (Birmingham)

BRADFORD : Britannia House, Leeds Road.
Telephone : Bradford 7888

BRISTOL : Pearl Assurance Buildings, Marsh Street.
Telephone : Bristol 24753

CARDIFF : Dominions House, Queen Street.
Telephone : Cardiff 2257

COVENTRY : Halifax Chambers, High Street.
Telephone : Coventry 4806

DUBLIN : College Park Chambers. 11, Nassau Street.
Telephone : Dublin 62443

EDINBURGH : 42, George Street.

Telephone : Edinburgh 21821

GLASGOW : 62, Robertson Street.

Telephone : Central 8094 (Glasgow)

HULL : Bank Chambers, Lowgate.

Telephone : Central 36246 (Hull)

LEEDS : Merrion Chambers, 31-37, Merrion Street.
Telephone : Leeds 23453

LEICESTER : Eagle House, Friar Lane.

Telephone : Leicester 22577

LIVERPOOL : Cunard Building.

Telephone : Central 1893 (Liverpool)

LONDON : Aldwych House, Aldwych, W.C.2.
Telephone : Holborn 4374

MANCHESTER : 196, Deansgate.

Telephone : Deansgate 3887 (Manchester)

MIDDLESBROUGH : Bank Chambers, Wilson Street.
Telephone : Middlesbrough 2513

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE : 12, Ellison Place.
Telephone : Newcastle 21831

NOTTINGHAM : Gordon House. Carrington Street.
Telephone : Nottingham 43664

SHEFFIELD : Parade Chambers, East Parade.
Telephone : Sheffield 26052

WE ARE ALWAYS GLAD TO SEE YOU

Printed by EDWIN JONES & SONS (LDN.) LTD., 70, ROSEBERY AVENUE, LONDON, E.C.l.